A 27-year-old scaled a house in Dixon Street, Stockton, last night when officers arrived to speak to him in connection with an aggravated burglary.

The man climbed onto the roof at 11.10pm and refused to come down. Police then cordoned off the property.

The dog unit and the police helicopter attended the scene. Armed police were also in attendance but were not required and were stood down.

After lengthy discussions, the man came down early today this morning and was arrested.

A 26-year-old mum-of-two who had heard about the incident told the Gazette: “I heard there was someone on the roof. The police and the helicopter were here.

“The fire brigade came with a big crane to try and get him down.”

She added: “He was walking up and down the roof.”

A witnesses also said the man “was throwing roof tiles and stones at police vehicles and threatening to jump”.

While the emergency service dealt with the incident, local residents were told to stay indoors.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Officers conducting inquiries into an aggravated burglary which occurred on May 29 in Hartington Road, Stockton identified a man that they wished to speak to in connection with the incident at an address in Dixon Street in the town.

“Following police arrival at the address at around 11:10pm last night, the 27-year-old man climbed onto the roof of the property.

“Officers cordoned off the street while the incident was ongoing, the dog unit was on scene and initial assistance was received from the police helicopter.

“Nearby residents were asked to remain indoors and disruption was kept to a minimum while police dealt with the incident.

“Following lengthy discussions with officers, the man came down of his own accord at around 4.20am today.”

She added: “A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and public nuisance and he remains in police custody.”